Unions globally mourn Dorje, all deceased climbers!

Posted On - 24/04/2014

April 24- The deadly Avalanche of 18 April 2014 on Mt Everest claimed lives of 13 climbers & summiteers and still there are missing 3. This ill-fated incident has drawn serious attention of trade union movement globall along with international community. Many colleagues including ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow sent personal solidarity message to GEFONT President Cde Bishnu Rimal.

"Dear Bishnu, We are very sad to hear of the Avalanche in Mt Everest", she wrote- "We share your sadness. He (Dorjee) was a beautiful human being and while he died on his beloved mountain it is tragic that you have lost him. … Our thoughts are with you…"

Here are some message sent by various unions and the personalities …

"Shortly before Brother Dorje proceeded to the ITUC mission, I had an opportunity to meet him, together with his family in Kathmandu, where he expressed his firm determination to lift the ITUC flag at the peak of the Mount Everest, and he successfully did. We remembered in a report that he proudly stretched our flag there. He is our hero and we will remember him and his courage.

We know how much he meant to his family and to all the people who knew him.Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we share the burden of this great grief.

On behalf of the ITUC - Asia Pacific, please accept our heartfelt condolences and convey our deepest sympathies to his family members."

- N. Suzuki, General Secretary, ITUC-AP

"The trade union world in Nepal has lost a leader with long standing experience who was known for his hard work and commitment. We also remember him for his courage in hoisting BWI Flag atop the highest peak in the world Mt. Everest on the morning of 26 May 2009. May his soul rest in the peace."

- Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary

We were saddened to hear of the loss of Sherpa Dorje Khatri in the avalanche that hit Everest base camp on 18 April, and we extend our sympathy, solidarity and condolences to his trade union sisters and brothers, his workmates and community and, especially, to his family and friends.

Sherpa Dorjen Khatri was an inspiration to everyone who believes in social justice and sustainable development. His leadership of the union for his fellow Sherpas, and the symbolic planting of the flag of the International Trade Union Confederation on Everest itself, stood out in the history of global trade unionism.

We well remember his wonderful contribution to the ITUC delegation at the UN's climate change conference in Durban, when in his address to delegates, he spoke of the impacts of climate change on the Himalayas.

- FRANCES O’GRADY, General Secretary, TUC UK

I learned this avalanche, the death of our GEFONTcomrade saddens me deeply. I bring all my supports in this event.

- Gilles Letort, CGT France

The news of the passing on of Sherpa Dorje and others got received with shock. I personally have been fortunate to meet him during Climate Change Summit in Durban.

We wish all their families and those they were leading in respective organizations strength during these trying times

As we mourn the loss of this gallant fighter, we will forever remember and honour the struggle He stood for when it comes to the Environmental issues.

- Louise Thipe- COSATU, South Africa

We have lost a friend. The man who carried IndustriALL's flag to the top of the world, is reported to be one of the Sherpa guides who died in the Friday morning avalanche on Mt. Everest.

In addition to being one of the world's very elite mountain climbers and guides, he was a union leader for the Sherpa guides, who he had helped organize to achieve decent wages and employment rights, and a passionate advocate for action on the environment, especially climate change.

An inspirational man of quiet strength, courage and deep wisdom. He will be missed.

It is a tragic loss. We all in Bxl feel we know Bro Dorje personally; even those of us who have only seen met him via video.

- Alison Tate, ITUC

Just a note to share with you all our immense sadness about these tragic deaths, which must be heart breaking for all the families and villages around.- Suzanna Miller, Industriall

I am very sad to read of the death of Dorje Khatri, such a fantastic union leader in organising the Sherpa trekkers.

When I was in Nepal, Bishnu and others spoke to me of him and the work that he had done so well in organising the Sherpa workers. They also gave me a pamphlet showing him at the top of Mt Everest.Please tell them that my thoughts are with them and the GEFONT and Nepali trade union family at this time. Please also tell them that I am thinking of his own family.

- Deb, Australia

"It is with incredible sorrow that we have learned about the terrible accident on Mt Everest where 16 sherpa’s have lost their lives, while doing their work. Your comrade Dorje Khatri was one of them. It is so tragic that people while doing their work and earning their livelihood run such risks that they even lose their lives. And now al Sherpa’s are confronted with the dilemma how to earn their living without running these risks. We in FNV Mondiaal, are thinking of you and we wish you all the strength in these difficult times."